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This section is for discussions with other women who have probably been through the same signs/symptoms that you may be experiencing. Please note, we cannot offer medical advice and encourage members to discuss their concerns with their doctors. New members, come on in and introduce yourself!

We review each new edition. It isn't "bad" per se. Some of the criteria we looked at in all the pregnancy books were pretty basic--

1) did they mention preeclampsia, toxemia, PIH, and HELLP
2) did they say it is rare (it is not)
3) did they list risk factors
4) did they say it can occur in pregnancies without risk factors
5) did they say it can happen again?
6) did they say what the top theories are?
7) did they attribute preeclampsia to poor diet? (not a universally held theory--otherwise preeclampsia would be a lot more common in famine regions--but the occurrence rate is not)
8) did they list signs and symptoms (a complete list)
9) did they explain about rise from baseline BP?
10) did they explain it can happen post-partum?
11) did they say it is the leading cause of prematurity?
12) did they say that delivery is the cure? (it is not--it sets the process of recovery in motion, but many women get worse before they get better)
13) did they say that if you had it before you are at an increased risk of having it again?
14) did they say it was likely genetic?
15) did they explain what the difference between PIH, preeclampsia, eclampsia and HELLP was?
16) did they say eclampsia was worse than preeclampsia? (It is not--more women die from preeclampsia than eclampsia)
17) did they talk about possible treatment options? (antihypertensives, heparin, low dose aspirin, etc...?)
18) did they say how quickly it can progress to life-threatening?

When we contacted one book about improvements we were told they already get flack for "frightening" pregnant women. I find this appalling. We teach young women with very little chance of breast cancer to do monthly breast exams--we should teach pregnant women with a VERY good chance of getting preeclampsia about the signs and symptoms.

I am glad we have the website and support of ladies like you to get the word out. We are going to just have to write our own book! ;)

I would like to mention that the newest edition of what to expect.. book I don't believe to have wrong info regarding PIH/PreE. -unless there is wrong info. that I am unaware of? Yet, I don't agree with the statement regarding Preeclampsia being diagnosed after the 20th week of pregnancy, so I supose that may be in accurate as Pree. really can start at any time, as well as it also lacks the importance of following the guideline of your personal BP baseline as opposed to waiting till the BP reaches the average 140/90. But I do think it has a basic brief discription of it, yet it definitely lacks the thorough info coverage Pree. needs in a preg. book.

Every Preg. book should address this condition with the best awareness as possible to help women, especially those in first preg. that are not very aware or aware at all of this condition that could strike them without proper warning. Yet not always can you find all the info. you need in one book - researching up to date info. is always helpful.

Another reason I guess that this website does exist, for those wanting to know more about Preeclampsia and increase awareness... I think it's great this site exists for that purpose.

I basically lived by the * most recent * "what to expect when you're expecting" book when pg...well, I didn't LIVE by it, but read it often looking for more information. When PIH came into my life, I was greatly disappointed by it's coverage of the subject. Anne, they've been contacted about that and are still unwilling to change? They've just totally lost my vote! I'm not among the "sue-crazy" but giving inadequate or misleading information -IN A PREGNANCY BOOK- about something as serious as pe is just dangerous. I think my next pregnancy "bible" will be the hypertension in pregnancy book you ladies keep mentioning (assuming I can find it)! lol

Good point about making sure you have the latest edition of your pregnancy books! A lot of women get hand-me-down books from sisters or friends and end up with outdated information. IMO, they don't update these books as often as they should, so it's that much more important to have the latest editions. (Besides, new editions create work for editors![;)])

I would also like to add one last comment:When researching information yourself on ways to help with Pre.E or PIH or other pregnancy related books, make sure you have the most recent information or revised edition of nutrition or help books - or double check with information that is not as current. (I have the most current of the "what to expect.." book and also read current articles and look into them further).

Collect opinions if you are unsure or sure of any advice and research into those also (library, internet, etc.). Finally *always check with your doctor before you do anything (*if you do not agree with your current doctor, get a new doctor) - *note: I am 28 wks now and changing doctors, it could perhaps make a diference if you do not have proper treatment or are not getting the proper concerned treatment you need.

As for myself I am still riding up and down on the BP rating. I am happy my BP seems to be reducing back to normal at most times, and am watching the higher readings with concern (not worry) and keeping a chart at home (which can help your doctor as well- have your bp moniter checked by your nurse and or doctor to see that it is measureing correctly).

Hi Alysa,
I just have to echo what Anne's saying- I feel like I'm in a unique position, because I'm familiar with both ways of looking at this.

When I first started posting on here- I was fresh and indignant about how poorly my own first preeclamptic pregnancy was handled, and after my own fact finding journey yielded so much information contrary to what I had been told about this horrible disease that we all share in one way or another.

Haha- my big mouth was one of the reasons we have a separate "Ask the Experienced" board in addition to the "Ask the Experts" because I couldn't restrain myself from throwing my two cents in, expert or no! [:I]

I have, however, been humbled by the stories I've read and posts from women I've come to love, and babies (alive and not) I've come to cherish over the past year. For many of us, this isn't just a place where we shoot the breeze- lives are changed here.

I had to change the way I think about this disease and what I know to be true, and how I post because of this awareness. I know that one of my dearest friends was rendered temporarily BLIND and went into kidney failure from PE. Two of my dearest friends came far too close to not being here for my taste. Another member (one of many) lost her baby from abruption within days of my second being born safely.

After this member had the strength to post about her experience, another member had the info she needed to recognize when SHE was having an abruption, and was able to save herself and her baby.

My awareness is so great and terrible that I often feel compelled to verify the opinions I offer in a medical textbook I've bought expressly for this purpose- because I know so acutely that mere words can change lives, especially when spoken here. (me, a chubby houswife in the frozen north!) And I know now that there is no truth and no right for us, not yet. Just a series of carefully calculated, carefully balanced choices. And I can't make judgements about the choices another person is forced to make. I haven't been rendered blind, had countless miscarriges, suffered stillbirth, seizures, and dialysis. Who knows what I would choose if I were in that position? I can only offer my support and love and hope it all works out ok.

I still am humbled, daily. Please take care, and thank you so much for caring enough to offer your help to others.

You are great about always saying ask your doctor and that it is your opinion--you just speak with such intelligence and authority that some women might think you are an authority. [;)]

Our medical board really disagrees about recommending that particular book. Five medical experts who reviewed ALL of this book and other tops books (all chapters). For a condition that has increased by 40% in the past decade--to not have a whole chapter--to have misinformation, missing information, and plain wrong information in a top selling pregnancy book is very disconcerting. You are welcome to recommend it--but we don't.

As for following a healthy lifestyle--you are missing my point. We mention a healthy lifestyle many times and in many ways throughout the website. We don't give "specific" recommendations (though I might personally take primrose oil--we can't recommend it...) and this is more than just because of liability--but because we have to consider that women here have lost babies (as you know) and they lose those babies even when they follow a good diet--we don't want them to think--rats--had I just taken that one supplement--then all would have been fine. You are not the first to innocently stumble into this subject area and have people get upset. People have had serious losses and it adds to their pain to suggest they might have done something (like take baby aspirin) that caused that loss. Unless something has passed our Medical Board--we don't post it as "fact" and so we have to also hold other posters to the same standards. The subject header for this thread is not stated as an opinion--it is stated as fact. To be honest--we seriously considered pulling it because we didn't want to mislead women.

We really appreciate your insight--you are clearly very intelligent, well-informed and personally--I have no debate with what you are saying...you just write with such authority--a real gift actually--that I would caution you to be really clear (as you were in the last post) that this is just your personal opinion and you know (as I am sure you do) that there is no one cure for this disease.

Thanks again! Feel free to write me if you think I am misunderstanding!

I sincerely care for each person here, and understand each person as an individual with individual health needs.

I originally came onto this site with fear of developing PIH this time around for which my doctor honestly was even rude to me governing my concern, and is why I now am watching myself at home as my blood pressure is still riding up and down and my heart rate in the hundreds at times while resting (an existing condition I have already). I am also awaiting a visit from a specialist.

My first pregnancy I was diagnosed with PIH very late and at the last minute. Luckily I had a personal nurse who visited me and checked my bp and helped to diagnose PIH before my dr. ever did (and also ignored my requests for medical leave from work - which I also had to walk to at the time, putting me and my baby at risk). I was fortunate, and am not willing to let that happen again; which is where I believe your own knowledge and a second opinion can even possibly save your or your unborn baby's life.

In regards to my suggestions concerning diet etc. I understand legal liabilities and yet at the least know the importance of diet, and make sure vitamins aren't lacking. My suggestions are for a overall healthy diet and vitamins are from my knowledge as they might be of help. Yet I also understand where it is cautionary to give any medical/diet advice is why I stated to Ask your Doctor First, Always.

The book what to Expect When your Expecting does state info about Preeclampsia (first stated in the sixth month chapter). Chapter 20 has a section of problems during pregnancy and includes PIH/Pre-eclampsia and HELLP. This book I am not endorsing, but came out better than many others in my stack of preg. books. I think it needs to be read all the way through and not just month to month the way it is set up. I look in the index if I have symptoms or I suspect something wrong like: "swelling" - which also directs you to the pre-eclampsia section. Beyond any one book, that is why I believe researching your own symptoms and doctor suggestions is always a good idea. Regarding aspirin, as taken from information stated in this book (page 455) as well as I have read info. from an article in a pregnancy magazine - my only opinionated suggestion would be to research it's use/risks and definitely under medical supervision, like I stated I can understand where it's use may be necessary - and you should follow your doctor's advice (second opinions don't hurt), yet I'd like to state it's use can be risky in the 3rd trimester of pregnacy - don't take my word for it, ask your doctor.

Maybe my suggestions are my opinions but I believe in them and I will add to always check with your doctor and a second opinion (if you feel a 2nd opinion is needed).

What happened my first pregnancy I will not allow a second time around yet I was lucky to have a healthy outcome even then. I know some are less fortunate and I know God's love is sent out to everyone of the stories and situations of the families here on this site.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on a healthy diet. You clearly have read a great deal about good diets and I personally use and like several of the books you mentioned. The Preeclampsia Foundation recognizes the value of a healthy diet however you may have noticed that we do not list a diet on our main web-page and this if for several reasons.

1) Preeclampsia occurs in different women for different reasonsÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Âsome women benefit from diets like those you follow, others would not. We are in a delicate situation because we have medical liability to watch out for and so we cannot come out and sayÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬ÂTHIS is the cure or THIS is the one diet that will make the difference

2) We do not endorse any treatment or cure, including diets: Low dose aspirin is incredibly helpful for some women. It really depends on the woman and she needs to be fully screened by her doctor. We donÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t advise or recommend against it. Some studies suggest an increase in abruption but whether or not those women were headed for abruption or whether the LDA pushed that way is unclear. Again, due to liability reasonsÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Âwe donÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t endorse any one treatment or cure. Nor do we make blanket statements that LDA is dangerous because our medical board does not feel that is accurate.

3) There is no good research on preeclampsia and diet: I would caution you to state things as fact. This section of the website is for women to share opinions and you speak with such intelligence and authority that people might not realize that you do not represent the foundation. The main section of the website is where we put forth what we feel comfortable calling ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œfactÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â and these facts are reviewed by a Medical Board of preeclampsia experts who must EACH agree with EVERYTHING we post. That means what we post has been thoroughly screened by the top minds in this field. As a resultÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Âwe feel comfortable with women taking those pages to their doctors and saying ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œthis is what the Preeclampsia FoundationÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â says.

4) We specifically do not endorse any pregnancy booksÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Âin part because we are a non-profit and that is advertising and would be counter to our non-profit status, but also because we are not impressed with any popular pregnancy books, including the one you mentioned. We did a survey (which we will publish soon) that reviewed the top ten pregnancy books and no one book got higher than a C on an A-F scale of grading. When it comes to preeclampsiaÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Âthe popular pregnancy books are disappointing and have not shown an interest (when contacted) in improving. Preeclampsia is not something that should only be thoroughly discussed in a high risk pregnancy bookÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Âsince some 5-10% of all pregnancies get it and up to 15% of first time pregnancies. It should be standard fare in a regular pregnancy book.

You obviously do a lot of good reading and research and should consider donating that talent to the Preeclampsia Foundation. We could use people like you and I think you would find we have a lot of the same goals and interests.